Inspiration-
This artwork was inspired by Boudicca, ancient warrior Queen of the Celtic Iceni tribe, and an important British cultural folk hero. Her name is derived from the word victorious, she led a rebellion to fight the Roman army.

Boudica had the charisma and spirit to unite tribes, lead armies and shake one of the greatest empires the world had ever known. British history is marked by women who were not cowed by the powerful, who would not be silenced, who had the courage to stand up, to be seen and heard.

Though she lost her battle and her cause, Boudicca is celebrated today as a national heroine and a universal symbol of the human desire for freedom and justice. She united thousands of ancient Britons, stood up for what she believed in, fought against social injustice; she was known as a pagan queen, an unruly woman and a valiant warrior, this is a celebration of all
unorthodox women. Her legacy reminds us of the power of resilience and the enduring spirit of those who refuse to bow to tyranny.

Boudicca's story resonates through the ages as a symbol of unwavering strength and the unbreakable bond between a leader and her people in the pursuit of justice and autonomy. She remains a testament to the resilience and courage of women who have stood as defenders of their homes and champions of their people throughout history.

With this piece I wanted to turn the conversation away from misogynistic ire and suspicion stemming from a deep rooted distaste for women in power and instead convey a sense of unity, empowerment and bold feminine strength. Boudicca had many roles in her life; a multifaceted and complex heroic identity was born. She was a rebel, queen, warrior, widow, mother, woman. She was celebrated by authors, artists and poets who saw her as a symbol of freedom, rebellion, courage and strength of a nation and at the same time also a suitable heroine for children and young women giving her the name Mother England.

The colours in this cyanotype artwork reflect the exact hues of the deep blue plant pigment woad (Isatis tinctoria) used by ancient Britons as warpaint during Boudicca's reign. I expose all my pieces in natural light for up to a couple of weeks. Printing in all weather conditions, doing everything by eye and in the most organic way possible, this enables me to be at one with each
piece I create and capture the true essence of Mother Nature within.

Technique-
Queen Boudicca (A Life in Legend) was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture and hand drawn illustrations, etchings and photographs of horses and tin toy models.